There's nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup on a chilly day. This cozy, velvety soup is loaded with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a rich, creamy broth that feels like a hug in a bowl.
I discovered this recipe while looking for a quick way to bring a bit of comfort food magic to a weeknight dinner. It quickly became a family favorite, offering all the flavors of a slow-simmered soup in a fraction of the time. Let's dive into what makes this soup so special.
Why You'll Love This Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Get ready to embrace your new go-to comfort meal. This Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
First, this soup comes together in just about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a homemade meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Second, the recipe is budget-friendly and uses pantry staples like chicken broth, cream, and simple spices. You won’t need an elaborate shopping list to whip up this meal.
Third, the versatility of this soup is unmatched. Use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even turkey if that’s what you have on hand. Plus, you can customize the veggies and noodles to fit your family’s preferences.
Finally, it’s pure comfort in a bowl. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and al dente noodles combine for a dish that’s as soothing as it is satisfying.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each working together to create a soup that feels gourmet without the fuss.
Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken is the heart of this soup. Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option, but you can use any cooked chicken you have on hand. If you prefer, turkey works just as well.
Noodles: Wide egg noodles are the classic choice here. Their slightly chewy texture holds up beautifully in the creamy broth. Feel free to substitute with another pasta shape if needed.
Vegetables: A mix of diced carrots, celery, and onion forms the aromatic base of this soup. They add sweetness and depth of flavor while keeping things fresh.
Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half gives this soup its luxurious texture. For a lighter option, you can use milk, though the soup won’t be quite as rich.
Broth: Chicken broth forms the foundation of the soup’s flavor. For added richness, you can use homemade broth or enhance store-bought broth with a touch of bouillon.
A large pot or Dutch oven is all the special equipment you’ll need for this one-pot wonder.
How To Make This Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Making this creamy chicken noodle soup is a straightforward process that delivers incredible results with minimal effort.
Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery, and onion, sautéing until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic for the last minute of cooking.
Pour in chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle boil. This forms the flavorful base of your soup. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually 6-8 minutes, until tender.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked, shredded chicken. Let it warm through for a couple of minutes. Then, pour in the cream, stirring gently to combine.
Season the soup generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried thyme for added depth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. The soup is ready to enjoy and tastes even better with a crusty bread or crackers on the side.
Storage Options
This soup is just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
To store, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 2 months. Be aware that the noodles may become slightly softer upon reheating.
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or milk to restore the desired consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly adaptable, making it easy to tailor to your preferences.
- Swap out the chicken for turkey, particularly around the holidays when leftovers are plentiful.
- Use gluten-free noodles or a low-carb pasta alternative to fit dietary needs.
- Add a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of greens.
- Experiment with herbs like dill, rosemary, or parsley to enhance the flavor profile.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute.
The possibilities are endless, and this soup is a great canvas for your creativity. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply looking for a cozy meal to enjoy solo, this Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
PrintEasy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This easy creamy chicken noodle soup recipe is the perfect comforting dish packed with tender chicken, noodles, and a luscious creamy broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the chicken, noodles, and thyme. Cook until noodles are tender, about 8–10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add extra vegetables like peas or corn for added nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
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